Great run Pete. I did it twice during the heart of GauleyFest snd this looks so much more relaxed without so much boat traffic. Definitely the way to go!
There were fest weekends I swore the kayak and raft traffic was more of a hazard than anything the river could throw at me. I've been run over by rafts on that section more times than I care to remember.
Having run the Upper G about 25 times over the years I can sympathise with your experience at Pillow Rock. The route you attempted to take is what we use to call the "green highway", which is really more like a 3 ft wide pathway. Once you get off that pathway everything you hit is trying to shove you left towards either the room of doom above the rock or the rock itself. That was a nice flip, roll and recovery to get out the backside. I swam there once at about 6000 cfs one fine summer day and remember the face of Pillow Rock flashing past my eyes as I was swept downstream. BTW the "Juicer" was originally named Julie's Juicer. And last but not least the best guide in the world, or at least on the Upper Gauley, is named Josh Hubbard. Ask anyone who's guided the Upper G for decades.
@@RiverKingsKayak Pillow Rock might be short but it's the most powerful and hard to control rapid on the entire run IMO. Lots of big hits in a very short distance once your down into the meat of it.
Pete, way to go finally getting down this epic section. I was able to get my pre done just a few weeks before. Regret never being able to meet up and paddle while I lived in NC. But maybe I will catch you when you make your way back up to WV.
Nice vid ,I got in there like 3 times, random video kayaker in the background. You picked the cool aid kid for the best raft guide interview, Kevin really wants to be a video kayaker can't give up on those tips, and Everett did a express. Several guides had to paddle rafts down at woods meet up with crews for a lower run,Crazy trip dynamics on biz Saturdays. Also anyone of you peeps ever want to try video kayaking give us a shout in the spring, or before Gauley season, I do several training throughout the year , its a living not the best but a great lifestyle.
@@paulherring8959 that is for sure Paul! The superview really shrinks the rapids too. Justin's view with the Linear setting brings the scale back just a little.
GAULEY what a time!!! Wished I had been able to make it this year! Isaac is one incredible dude and loved paddling this with him last year! ALMOOOST had a dry hair day but sweets got me😂
Yes Sir Hunter!! I watched your video...so close!!!! LOL. Such a fun run. In fact, watching your video convinced me to just spear that flume of water straight! LOL
@@RiverKingsKayak Next time you run Sweets just cross over that crack and take the bottom hit on a right brace. Works every time and keeps you out of that swirly ass crack.
@@RiverKingsKayak I've rafted to lower a few times but never done the upper. I kayaked the lower flat water section a week ago. It was a pretty section
That is an Arca works vulcan two-piece. It is one of the best paddles on the market today and is definitely the best paddle i've ever owned or used. Check out the link in the video description. It is amazing.
I was there getting my pfd this same weekend. Which day were you out? I’m wondering if I might have seen you. For me it was bittersweet getting my PFD on such an iconic run while so many of our brothers and sisters down south were suffering.
Great run Pete. I did it twice during the heart of GauleyFest snd this looks so much more relaxed without so much boat traffic. Definitely the way to go!
Yes, I love having a river to myself!
@@RiverKingsKayaknantahala only had 4 or 5 boats yesterday .. what a time not to have my boats
There were fest weekends I swore the kayak and raft traffic was more of a hazard than anything the river could throw at me. I've been run over by rafts on that section more times than I care to remember.
Having run the Upper G about 25 times over the years I can sympathise with your experience at Pillow Rock. The route you attempted to take is what we use to call the "green highway", which is really more like a 3 ft wide pathway. Once you get off that pathway everything you hit is trying to shove you left towards either the room of doom above the rock or the rock itself. That was a nice flip, roll and recovery to get out the backside. I swam there once at about 6000 cfs one fine summer day and remember the face of Pillow Rock flashing past my eyes as I was swept downstream. BTW the "Juicer" was originally named Julie's Juicer. And last but not least the best guide in the world, or at least on the Upper Gauley, is named Josh Hubbard. Ask anyone who's guided the Upper G for decades.
Right on Paul!
Nice! Gotta get back there. :). Had me worried at Pillow😂
LOL! Me too! Such a fun river!
@@RiverKingsKayak Pillow Rock might be short but it's the most powerful and hard to control rapid on the entire run IMO. Lots of big hits in a very short distance once your down into the meat of it.
my favorite rapid for sure...
Way to send it Pete. Great PFD on the Beast of the East.
Thanks 1stVAR!!
lol !! sorry Pete! Love you buddy! Nice clean lines and nice recovery at Pillow!
We missed you brother!
Wow, surprised you hadn't made it out there before. This one is definitely on my bucket list. Another great video thanks for sharing with us.
me too! The main reason is that Gauley season always coincides with opening deer season...
@@RiverKingsKayak that makes total sense
Pete, way to go finally getting down this epic section. I was able to get my pre done just a few weeks before.
Regret never being able to meet up and paddle while I lived in NC. But maybe I will catch you when you make your way back up to WV.
Right on Jonathan!
What an awesome river! Great video and thanks for sharing.
Thanks Stumpy!!
Nice vid ,I got in there like 3 times, random video kayaker in the background. You picked the cool aid kid for the best raft guide interview, Kevin really wants to be a video kayaker can't give up on those tips, and Everett did a express. Several guides had to paddle rafts down at woods meet up with crews for a lower run,Crazy trip dynamics on biz Saturdays. Also anyone of you peeps ever want to try video kayaking give us a shout in the spring, or before Gauley season, I do several training throughout the year , its a living not the best but a great lifestyle.
Thanks! Good to meet you Peyton! Loved the video twirl on the rock at Lost Paddle!
that looks awesome.
so much fun Robert!
Like seeing the the Gauley from a Pete's eye view. Awesome! Someday our crew will get up to Gauley level!
Thanks Brian!
Just bear in mind the camera mounted 6" above your eyeballs makes the whole thing look a lot easier than it actually is.
@@paulherring8959 yeah. The GoPro affect is definitely a real thing
@@paulherring8959 that is for sure Paul! The superview really shrinks the rapids too. Justin's view with the Linear setting brings the scale back just a little.
GAULEY what a time!!! Wished I had been able to make it this year! Isaac is one incredible dude and loved paddling this with him last year! ALMOOOST had a dry hair day but sweets got me😂
Yes Sir Hunter!! I watched your video...so close!!!! LOL. Such a fun run. In fact, watching your video convinced me to just spear that flume of water straight! LOL
@@RiverKingsKayak Next time you run Sweets just cross over that crack and take the bottom hit on a right brace. Works every time and keeps you out of that swirly ass crack.
Glad u made it up here bud!
Me too Wes!
@@RiverKingsKayak I've rafted to lower a few times but never done the upper.
I kayaked the lower flat water section a week ago. It was a pretty section
You rocked it on pillow! Stayed up on all that fluff!
LOL! Thanks Wes! it is a little bit rowdy in there.
I've zip lined with AOTG but never rafted with them. I always go with Ace Adventures. Man, I miss the Gauley.
Cant go wrong with ACE Adventures!
Boat placement you say? Hmmm seems important😅 Love the video Pete!
Thanks Brandon!! It is the name of the game!
Met Issac, at FTH the other day. Nice guy. Go get it guys..
Yes, Isaac is an awesome young man and a fantastic boater!
Washing machine on heavy duty cycle! Rinse! Second Rinse! Wring. Drip dry. Wipe sweat off brow. HOLEY SHIRT!
LOL! Thats about what it feels like sometimes!
My home run
It is a fabulous river Derek!
What is up with your choice of paddle, for this trip? Looks like a two piece back up paddle, instead of what you typically use.
That is an Arca works vulcan two-piece. It is one of the best paddles on the market today and is definitely the best paddle i've ever owned or used. Check out the link in the video description. It is amazing.
I was there getting my pfd this same weekend. Which day were you out? I’m wondering if I might have seen you.
For me it was bittersweet getting my PFD on such an iconic run while so many of our brothers and sisters down south were suffering.
For sure JW! We boated the lower on Friday and the Upper on Saturday morning. We slid on about 8:30am.
@@RiverKingsKayak right on! We were getting to the dam around 9. I was a little bit behind you. I did get juiced at Julie’s juicer later in the day. 😂
@@jwmav528 Consider running the center of that rapid. The hits are a little bigger but the juicer isn't even in play.
YO, it's mark from October 9th feed the hunger event im not a rookie taper anymore
Right on!!
Did the lower, was awesome, you made upper look easy… not for me.
Thanks Troy! We did the lower as well, that video is on the way. That is a fun run too!
Old school recipe= own the Lower before you take on the Upper.